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Fire chief reports rising EMS runs, introduces TXA use; commission ratifies multi-year firefighter recruitment grant
Summary
Fire Chief James Winham reported increased EMS runs and longer mission times after assuming a larger response area; the commission ratified a $1.3125 million three‑year firefighter recruitment grant (Justice/HR funding) to hire full‑time firefighters/EMTs.
Torrance County Fire Chief James Winham presented an operations summary showing increased EMS workload since expansion into the Superior Ambulance area: an average of 6.2 transports per day (186 calls), average response time of 18 minutes, mission times of 50–60 minutes, and transport destinations often outside the county (notably Bernalillo/Albuquerque hospitals). "Our average response time is 18 minutes...mission times for EMS services are 50 minutes to 60 minutes to complete a mission," Winham said. He also described introducing tranexamic acid (TXA) in July for hemorrhage control and said the department had a positive outcome on a recent case after its use.
On grants, Amanda Lujan told the commission the county had received a three-year Firefighter Recruitment Fund award totaling $1,312,500 to fund firefighter/EMT positions; the commission ratified the agreement by roll-call vote. Commissioners discussed how increased call volumes and mutual-aid costs affect overtime and service delivery and agreed to monitor staffing needs as grant funding allows additional hires.
